A still of Gabriel Byrne in the History Channel's mini-series "The Vikings"
Photo by: History Channel

A new promo for Gabriel Byrne’s latest project ‘Vikings’ gives a snapshot into the upcomingHistory Channel drama.

The mini series charts the destructive behavior of the Vikings who conquered the their way through Europe in medieval times.

Byrne plays the role of Earl Haraldson, an experienced political leader who finds his position threatened by a young descendant of the gods named Ragnor Lothbrok, who is attempting to become Kings of the Vikings.

History Channel president and general manager Nancy Dubuc described the project as “an amazing crossroads for History embarking on our first scripted series.”

“People think they know about the Vikings -- we see references to them all the time in our popular culture from TV commercials to football teams -- but the reality is so much more fascinating and complex, more vivid, visceral and powerful than popular legend.”

She added: "We will explore the mysteries of the Vikings, the adventures they took and the people who led them. And we will start to understand a past that is very much part of our collective DNA today."